TastyDays

Bruschetta

Bruschetta is an appetizer from central Italy whose origin dates to at least the 15th century. It consists of grilled bread rubbed with garlic and topped with extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper. Variations may include toppings of spicy red pepper, tomato, vegetables, beans, cured meat, and/or cheese; the most popular recipe outside of Italy involves basil, fresh tomato, garlic and onion or mozzarella. Bruschetta is usually served as a snack or appetizer. In Italy, Bruschetta is often prepared using a brustolina grill. In the Abruzzo region of Italy a variation of bruschetta called ventricina is served. Raw pork products and spices encased in pig vesicles are aged and the paste spread on open slices of bread which are sometimes grilled.